Austin Journal Reports News
Issues Persist in Special Education Despite Significant Systemic Improvements, According to Audit
By Austin Journal | Apr 17, 2024
Issues in special education persist despite significant systemic improvements, as revealed in an audit conducted by Stetson & Associates for the Austin Independent School District (AISD). The audit highlighted the progress made in enhancing special education services for students, while also pointing out areas for further improvement in climate, culture, staff efficacy, data management, and shared responsibility for all students with disabilities.The audit was a result of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Order aimed at addressing necessary enhancements in special...
Attorney General Ken Paxton Highlights Legal Victories Supporting Defense of S.B.4 in Recent Notice to Fifth Circuit
By Austin Journal | Apr 17, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sent a notice of supplemental authority to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, detailing how recent legal victories support Texas's defense of S.B.4.In a recent victory at the U.S. Supreme Court in DeVillier v. Texas, the Supreme Court sided with Texas, directing plaintiffs to seek redress through existing state law rather than directly under the U.S. Constitution. The Court emphasized that constitutional rights do not typically come with a built-in cause of action, but are generally invoked defensively in the absence of...
Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures Unanimous SCOTUS Win on Texas Property Rights Case
By Austin Journal | Apr 16, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has achieved a significant victory at the U.S. Supreme Court with a unanimous 9-0 decision in a case concerning Texas's authority to handle property compensation disputes under State law. The case involved a group of citizens who sought compensation under the Takings Clause of the U.S. Constitution following flooding in the Houston area in 2017 and 2019.The plaintiffs claimed that a barrier on the highway acted as a dam, protecting a flood-evacuation route but leading to flooding on their properties. Despite Texas allowing such claims...
'Maestro en Casa' Celebrates Its 1000th Graduate in Austin ISD
By Austin Journal | Apr 16, 2024
During an evening filled with pride and excitement, the Austin ISD recently marked a significant milestone by celebrating its 1,000th graduate from the Maestro en Casa program since its inception in 2015. Participants in the program attend classes at their children's schools to enhance their English skills, navigate common scenarios, and grasp key vocabularies in various essential areas.Lynn Boswell, Secretary of the Austin ISD Board of Trustees, expressed, "It is an honor to be here sharing a great achievement with our parents. Learning a second language is not easy. It...
We’re updating to how we respond to e-cigarettes on campus (En Español)
By Austin Journal | Apr 15, 2024
A new District of Innovation exemption regarding HB 114 will allow the district more flexibility in supporting students found in possession of nicotine e-cigarettes, as campuses may now provide educational resources instead of immediate alternative education placement. These resources aim to keep students at their home campus while educating them about the harm of nicotine e-cigarettes.In August, Texas House Bill 114, which banned e-cigarettes in public schools and events, was discussed. The bill mandated that students violating the law be placed into a District...
National Coalition of Attorneys General Files Amicus Brief Condemning Texas State Bar for Baseless Lawfare Weaponized Against Texas OAG Leadership
By Austin Journal | Apr 15, 2024
A national coalition of state attorneys general has filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court of Texas in a case involving the State Bar of Texas and the leadership of the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG). The case, which revolves around allegations of politically motivated lawfare, specifically targets Attorney General Ken Paxton's top deputy, First Assistant Attorney General Brent Webster.The State Bar of Texas's Commission for Lawyer Discipline initiated disciplinary action against Paxton and Webster for their involvement in the Texas v. Pennsylvania...
Salute Finalists Announced for Annual Staff Celebration
By Austin Journal | Apr 15, 2024
Salute, our annual staff celebration, is three weeks away and for the first time, we’re expanding our recognition categories and celebrating even more of our incredible team members. In a recent statement, the organization emphasized the importance of acknowledging the collective effort that goes into providing students and families with a stellar educational experience.Among the finalists in various categories, Paola Arroyo-Forteza from Harris Elementary School, Jill Stockton from Brentwood Elementary School, Coleen Azeez from Webb Middle School, and Cameron Daniel from...
U.S. Air Force’s First Female Fighter Pilot to Deliver Commencement Address at UT Austin
By Austin Journal | Apr 15, 2024
Retired Maj. Gen. Jeannie M. Leavitt, the U.S. Air Force’s first female fighter pilot and a 1990 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, has been selected to deliver the keynote address at UT’s 141st Spring Commencement on May 11. The commencement ceremony, set to take place at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, is expected to draw over 50,000 attendees.President Jay Hartzell praised Leavitt, stating, "Maj. Gen. Leavitt broke much more than the sound barrier when she first took to the skies as a fighter pilot. She set an example of great persistence in...
New Associate Vice President to Accelerate Innovation, Research Commercialization and Startups
By Austin Journal | Apr 15, 2024
The University of Texas at Austin has appointed Mark Arnold as the new associate vice president for Discovery to Impact, the University’s connection unit between campus innovators and industry. Arnold will play a crucial role in enhancing the University’s research commercialization efforts, formalizing a dedicated technology transfer office, and launching Texas Startups, a division aimed at positioning UT as a national leader in supporting startups from various academic levels.President Jay Hartzell's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation across campus is...
UT’s Newest Truman Scholar Bridges the Israeli-Palestinian Divide
By Austin Journal | Apr 12, 2024
Elijah Kahlenberg, a junior at The University of Texas at Austin, has been announced as the university's latest Truman scholar. The prestigious scholarship, providing $30,000 for graduate studies in public service fields, was presented to Kahlenberg by President Jay Hartzell, who described the achievement as a significant one for both the student and the university.Kahlenberg humorously recalled his initial reaction to the news, saying, "I thought, either I’m being expelled or I’m getting Truman." Expressing his gratitude, he added, "It was a surreal experience. I’m still...
Clint Dawson and Stephen Vladeck Honored With President’s Research Impact Award
By Austin Journal | Apr 10, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas — Clint Dawson, the creator of a code to predict hurricane storm surges, and Stephen Vladeck, an expert on federal courts and constitutional law, have been named the 2024 recipients of The University of Texas at Austin President’s Research Impact Award.President Jay Hartzell established the award in 2023 to recognize researchers whose endeavors have changed lives and understanding. Dawson, the Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering #2, was instrumental in developing a simulation code used globally in hurricane storm surge predictions. Dawson's work has...
Attorney General Ken Paxton Urges Expedited Process In Concertina Wire Lawsuit
By Austin Journal | Apr 10, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to expedite the resolution of the ongoing concertina wire case in order to safeguard Texas's border security measures. In a letter filed with the court, Paxton highlighted new and crucial facts pertaining to the case.Paxton emphasized findings from the district court regarding events at the border. The court determined that the three drowning deaths near Shelby Park on January 12 occurred before the federal government reached out to the Texas National Guard or Department of Public...
UT’s Excellence and Impact On Display in Latest Graduate School Rankings
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
The University of Texas at Austin has once again demonstrated its excellence in graduate education, as highlighted in the recent release of U.S. News & World Report's "Best Graduate Schools." President Jay Hartzell expressed pride in the university's performance, stating, "Our talent is what puts UT at the leading edge of discovery in AI and robotics, life sciences, population research, and many other disciplines that are at the forefront of solving many of the world’s most pressing problems and bettering society."UT's College of Education made significant strides, moving...
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Harris County Over Illegal “Guaranteed Income” Welfare Scheme
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken legal action against Harris County for implementing what he deems an unlawful “guaranteed income” program. The initiative, introduced by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo in 2023, involves distributing public funds in a manner that Attorney General Paxton argues violates the Texas Constitution.The program in question aimed to randomly select 1,928 eligible Harris County residents through a lottery system to receive $500 cash payments for 18 months with “no strings attached.” Funded by $20.5 million allocated to the county from...
After School Activities Moved Indoors Due to Tornado Watch in Austin ISD
By Austin Journal | Apr 9, 2024
After a tornado watch was issued by the National Weather Service for Austin ISD until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, all after school activities have been moved indoors as a precaution. In a message to families and staff, the district emphasized the importance of safety protocols in place during such weather events."We are under a tornado watch from the National Weather Service until 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 9. This means that a tornado is possible but not imminent, so we are prepared and monitoring the forecast," stated the district communication.The district further...
Despite a population and resource boom, public transit in Austin is in decline
By Austin Journal | Apr 8, 2024
In 1985, voters in Austin established the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, known locally as CapMetro, to provide public transportation service to the greater Austin area. The services provided today by CapMetro include bus services, paratransit services for persons with disabilities, and a commuter rail.
City of Austin City Council met Feb. 29
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 7, 2024
City of Austin City Council met Thursday, Feb. 29
City of Austin Public Health Committee met March 20
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 7, 2024
City of Austin Public Health Committee met Wednesday, March 20
City of Austin City Council will meet April 18
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 7, 2024
City of Austin City Council will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 18
City of Austin Housing Public Facility Corporation Board of Directors will meet April 18
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 7, 2024
City of Austin Housing Public Facility Corporation Board of Directors will meet at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 18